Farmer Jason, known to Nashvillians as Jason Ringenberg from the award winning band Jason and the Scorchers, is now the first artist signed to mykazoo Music which is a new family music label created with Universal Music Enterprises.
Since 2003, Emmy winning Farmer Jason has built quite a fan base for his children’s music and public television music videos. The first CD on the new label is titled “Nature Jams” and is full of easily recognized special guests such as Alison Brown, Mike Mills of R.E.M., Suzy Bogguss, Webb Wilder, Steve Gorman of the Black Crowes, Victor Wooten, Todd Snider and others. These artists help Farmer John navigate everything from rivers to caves to glaciers with lively conversation and a variety of musical styles.
As an educator, I found the CD to be not only entertaining, but full of facts and discussion starters for just about any academic discipline. I can see sprinkling some of the songs in Social Studies, Science and Reading class for differentiation in teaching strategies. The content is suited particularly well for 3-9 year olds.
As a parent, I valued the reminders to “always have a parent or caregiver” along on the various escapades suggested. I also appreciate the timely suggestion of getting kids moving. Obesity in children is at an all time high in the United States, and these songs encourage kids to be physically active by getting out and enjoying nature.
Perhaps my favorite song on this record is “No Place Like the Woods”. I am a long time Wooten Brothers fan and really like the blues tinged sound of the music. This CD could also lend itself to a music class to introduce music styles and instruments such as banjo and accordion which are not as widely heard in today’s music.
The Nature Jams package includes 16 original songs, 4 music videos and a 20-page booklet. These can be previewed at the myKaZootv website which is a new 24/7 interactive kids’ entertainment channel. It is also available as an app from iTunes.
Farmer Jason is planning a Nature Jams family concert tour across North America and Europe during 2012-13. Check the Farmer Jason’s website for dates in a city near you!
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